Paparoa National Park
This is a small diverse National Park in Westcoast. The park encompasses coastal forests, limestone canyons, caves, underground streams and a magnificent coastline. A famous natural wonder on the coastline are the “Pancake” rocks and blowholes at Punakaiki (a small village). Within this park many Outdoor activities can be undertaken, from Caving to making a short tramp to the “Pancake” rocks.
Outdoor
Aerial sight seeing
There are options to make a helicopter flight. This is on a clear day very beautiful; seeing the “Pancake” rocks and all the other special natural wonders from above.
Bird watching
At Westland black a petrel colony can be found. This is the only place in the world where this rare sea bird is nesting.
Caving and rock climbing
The unusual wild landscape full with (“Pancake”) rocks, blowholes and caves makes Caving and Rock Climbing possible; for experienced and beginners.
Canoeing and kayaking
It is nice to explore the unusual landscape of Paparoa National Park with a hired kayak or canoe.
Horse riding
There are tour operators offering Horse Riding tours in this park's magnificent landscape.
Tramping
There are some excellent short walks to the “Pancake” rocks and blowholes near the small village Punakaiki. Nice walks can be made in Paparoa range as well.
The Inland Pack Track is a beautiful 2 days walk, ranked concerning it difficulty, moderate. This tramp will bring you to an unusual landscape containing gorges, caves, bluffs and the not to be forgotten “Pancake” rocks. The best time to tramp this track is from December till March. The Croesus Track is another nice track in this special area. This track takes also 2 days and is moderate; it can best be walked from November till March. While walking this track sub alpine areas will be reached and local History of for example the mining period will be present.
For more information please visit the nearest tourist centre of DOC.